Illy Espresso Machine How to & Troubleshooting Guide

Illy espresso machines are known for their quality, and ability to make aromatic, nice-tasting coffee. Their innovative iperEspresso capsule system makes café quality espresso with ease. Unlike conventional one-stage systems, the iperEspresso capsule system uses a two-stage process to create aromatic, full-bodied espresso with rich, long-lasting crema. Their product range includes the Y3.3, X7.1, Y5, and X9 among others.

Like other coffee makers, however, your Illy espresso machine can choose to “act up” every once in a while; preventing you from enjoying the nice cup of espresso coffee that you love to enjoy. If you are having issues with your machine, or need help performing various operations, here is a troubleshooting and how-to guide you can use.

How Do You Use Illy Espresso Machine?

Illy Espresso X7.1 machine

Turning on/off

Before switching on the machine check the water level in the tank; if necessary add water. Empty and rinse out the drip tray each time you fill the water tank.

To switch the machine ON, press the power button until it lights up.
The icons in the circle will light up progressively to indicate the increase in the boiler temperature.
After a few minutes, when the machine reaches the operating temperature, the brew button symbol will light up and you will hear a brief beep.
If the triangular symbol lights up and intermitted beep is emitted, there is an issue with the machine.
To switch the machine off, press the power button until the front panel goes off. Never disconnect the plug from the power outlet when the machine is switched on.

Making coffee

The X7.1 machine is designed to function exclusively with Illy “Iperespresso” capsules. To make coffee, follow these steps:

Turn the capsule holder to the left and remove it from the brew head.
Insert the capsule into the capsule holder.
Insert the capsule holder in the brew head; turn the handle to the right until it locks into place.
Check that the coffee button is lit.
Press and release the coffee button. The machine will brew the programmed quantity of coffee. To stop the flow in advance, press the button again.
To make other coffees, remove the used capsule and repeat the steps above.

Setting the quantity of coffee in a cup

To set the machine to brew your desired quantity of coffee in automatic mode, follow these steps:

Insert a capsule into the capsule holder and then fit the capsule holder to the brew head.
Place a cup beneath the capsule holder.
Press the coffee button and keep it pressed until the coffee has reached the desired level. Release the button. The machine is now programmed.

To set the machine to work in the manual mode, follow these steps:

Insert a capsule into the capsule holder and the fit the capsule holder to the brew head.
Place a cup beneath the capsule holder.
Press the coffee button and keep it pressed until the machine automatically stops dispensing coffee. Release the button. In this case the programming has been cancelled.

When you have set the machine for manual mode of the quantity of coffee after you start brewing you will need to press the coffee button again when the coffee has reached the desired level in the cup so as to stop the flow.

It is also possible to make coffee using the manual procedure in the automatic mode, to do that:

Press the coffee button for about 3 seconds;
Press the coffee button again to stop the flow;
In this way you will not change the quantity of coffee initially programmed.

Illy espresso machine Y3.2

For first use, or if the machine has not been used for a long time, you should rinse the internal components by cleaning the water tank and dispensing at least 3 mugs of water. To do this, follow these instructions:

To remove the water tank, push it down.
Rotate the tank outward.
Fill the tank with fresh water up to the maximum level,
Refit the water tank by inserting the tabs on the bottom into the slots on the machine then pushing the water tank downwards and towards the machine until it locks into place.
Plug in the machine. Switch the power button to “I” to turn on the machine.
Open the capsule compartment cover by lifting the cover lever upwards. Make sure there is no capsule inside.
The espresso and brewed coffee buttons start flashing. After about 1 minute, the buttons stop flashing steady on and the machine is ready for use.
Place an empty mug under the dispensing spout.
Press and release the espresso and brewed coffee buttons and wait until water dispensing is complete. The machine is rinsed when at least 3 mugs of water have been dispensed. The machine is now ready for use.

Making espresso coffee

Fully open the capsule compartment cover by lifting the cover lever.
Insert the illy capsule into the capsule compartment and close the capsule compartment cover completely.
Lower the cup holder surface. Fill the water tank with fresh drinking water.
Place an espresso cup in position under the dispensing spout.
Press and release the espresso button. Dispensing will stop automatically.
Slowly lift the capsule compartment cover. The used capsule will automatically be ejected into the used capsule holder. Repeat the operation if the capsule is not ejected.

Making brewed coffee

Fully open the capsule compartment cover by lifting the cover lever.
Insert illy capsule into the capsule compartment and close the capsule compartment cover completely.
Move the cup holder surface in the vertical position. Fill the water tank with fresh drinking water.
Place a mug in position under the dispensing spout.
Press and release the brewed coffee button. Dispensing will stop automatically.
Slowly lift the capsule compartment cover. The used capsule will automatically be ejected into the used capsule holder. Repeat the operation if the capsule is not ejected.

Espresso cup quantity programming

Using an espresso capsule, press and hold the espresso button. The machine will start dispensing coffee.
Release the button once the desired quantity has been dispensed.
The machine has now been programmed. The next time you press the espresso button the saved quantity of coffee will be dispensed.

Brewed coffee cup quantity programming

Using a brewed coffee capsule, press and hold the brewed coffee button. The machine will start to dispense coffee.
Release the button once the desired quantity has been dispensed.
The machine has now been programmed. The next time you press the brewed coffee button the saved quantity of coffee will be dispensed.

Temperature programming

With the capsule compartment cover open, turn the machine on. Do not insert any capsule.
Within 15 seconds of turning the power on, press the espresso button 5 times. While the lights are flashing, you can now be able to change the temperature.
Press the espresso button to increase temperature.
Press the brewed coffee button to reduce temperature.
The machine has now been programmed. The next time you press the espresso or brewed coffee buttons the saved temperature of the coffee will be dispensed.

How to Reset Illy Espresso Machine

Performing a reset will restore the machine to factory settings. To reset Illy Y3.2 machine follow the instructions below:

With the capsule compartment cover open, turn the machine on.
Within 15 minutes of turning the power on, press the brewed coffee button 5 times. The espresso and brewed coffee buttons will flash quickly for 2 seconds and then become steady on.
The machine factory settings of espresso and brewed coffee are now restored both for quantity and temperature.

How to Make Illy Espresso without Machine

One way to make espresso without a machine is by using an AeroPress. The mechanism uses a plunger to generate pressure. The AeroPress equipment looks like a large plastic syringe with a filter for coffee at the end.

In addition to the AeroPlace, you will also need specific filters. While the AeroPress can come with a pack of filters when you purchase it, in case it doesn’t then you can opt to buy the filters separately.

For this process, you need the following supplies:

An AeroPress and two filters
Dark roast or espresso beans
A burr grinder or a finely ground mix
A kettle or mug (microwave-safe)
A thermometer
A mug to collect your espresso

With the above supplies ready, then follow these steps to make your espresso:

Rinse your AeroPress filter and place it on the filter cap.
Position the AeroPress plunger about halfway inside the main chamber.
Heat about two ounces of water in a kettle or microwave until it reaches 200^oF.
As the water heats up, use a burr grinder to grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency. You will require about one and a half tablespoons of grounds.
Then slowly place your grounds into the AeroPress chamber and to make sure your water has attained the right temperature.
Slowly pour the hot water into the AeroPress.
Swirl the AeroPress gently for about five seconds to mix the water and the grounds up.
Attach the filter cap and invert the AeroPress over a mug.
Plunge the espresso through the filter quickly.
You can then proceed to enjoy your drink.

How to Clean Illy Espresso Machine

Illy espresso machine Y3.2

Cleaning your Illy Espresso machine regularly helps keep it hygienic and working properly. However, the cleaning process might be different from your other appliances. For effectiveness and to prevent damage, you need to make sure you are following the proper cleaning procedure. There are also some safety precautions to observe to prevent shock:

Start by turning off the machine. Make sure the power button is off before unplugging the machine from the electrical outlet.
Wait until the appliance is cool before cleaning.
After it has cooled off, remove the water tank by pulling it down slightly and then outward.
Use a damp cloth to clean the body and attachments, and then wipe with a non-abrasive dry cloth. Do not use detergents.
Do not expose the machine to jets of water or immerse it in water, partially or fully.

For proper cleaning and maintenance, follow these steps:

Turn off the machine.
To remove the used capsule holder, slide it outwards. It is advisable to empty the used capsule tray regularly to prevent the capsules from getting stuck.
Empty the used the capsule tray and rinse. Clean the tray and the cup holder surface to remove water and coffee residue. Once cleaned, re-attach the tray and the mug holder surface.
Rinse under water and dry. Do not wash the drip tray and the used capsule tray in the dishwasher machine.

Illy espresso machine X7.1

You need to clean the machine and its components at least once a week. Keep the water in the tank fresh; wash the tank and fill it daily with fresh drinking water. When cleaning, do not use ethyl alcohol, solvents, abrasive sponges, and/or aggressive chemicals.

Follow the steps below to clean the machine:

Switch the machine off and disconnect the plug from the power outlet.
Remove the water tank and wash it under running water.
Empty out the capsule holder and wash it under running water.
Remove the grill and wash it with warm water.
Remove the drip tray and wash it with warm water.
Remove the outer end part of the steam wand.
Remove the inside part of the steam wand from the metal tube.
After separating the two components, wash them separately with warm water.
After washing the components fit the inside part of the metal tube and then fit the outer part. Make sure to push them up all the way.

How to Descale Illy Espresso Machine

Limescale buildup is normal with the use of the machine. If the brew buttons on the machine flash alternately, the machine needs to be descaled. The machine is equipped with automatic programming allowing you to optimize cleaning and to remove limescale deposits. You need to do the descaling procedure at least every 2 months.

Illy Y3.2

You can start the descaling procedure only when the machine is cold. If you don’t carry out the operations according to the indicated time, the machine will not start the descaling process. In this case, turn off your machine and repeat the steps from the beginning:

Turn off the machine.
Remove the tank and empty the remaining water.
Fill the tank with freshwater up to the maximum level. The mix the descaling solution and let it dissolve. Only use descaling products for coffee machines. Do not use lye, vinegar, salt or forming acid as they may damage the machine.
Attach the tank containing the descaling solution.
Close the lever. Do not enter any capsule.
Next, under the dispensing spout place a container of at least 0.75-litre capacity.
Then turn on the machine.
Within 15 seconds from power on, press and hold the espresso coffee brew button (indicated by smaller cup) for 3 seconds. The brewed coffee brew button (indicated by larger cup) will flash.
Press the brewed coffee brew button (larger cup) to start the descaling cyce. The machine will start to dispense water.
At the end of the descaling cycle the espresso coffee brew button (smaller cup) is steady on, while the brewed coffee brew button (larger cup) is flashing. Remove the container you had placed under the dispensing spout and empty it.
Remove the tank, wash it thoroughly and fill it again with fresh water. Then attach the tank back and place a container of at least 0.75-litre capacity under the dispensing spout.
Then press the brewed coffee brew button (larger cup) to start the rinse cycle. The machine will start to dispense water.
At the end of the rinse cycle both brew buttons flash simultaneously. Remove the container from under the dispensing spout and empty it.
Wait until the two brew buttons become steady on. The machine is now ready for use.

Illy X7.1

If the triangular icon in the central circle flashes (1 flash every two seconds), proceed as follows:

Keep the coffee button and steam button pressed down together for at least 5 seconds. The power and coffee buttons and the triangle icon in the circle will flash simultaneously to indicate that the automatic descaling cycle has been selected.
Take out and fill the tank with 1 litre of water (up to the MAX level).
Introduce the descaling product into the tank full of wait and wait for it to dissolve.
Remove the capsule and capsule holder.
Place an empty container of at least 1-litre capacity beneath the brew head.
Turn the steam wand toward the container; water will flow out both from the brew head and the steam wand.
Press the coffee button. The power button and the triangular icon in the circle will flash simultaneously to indicate the beginning of the descaling cycle, which lasts about 30 minutes.
At the end of the cycle the machine will emit a beep. The coffee button and the coffee icon in the circle will start flashing together with the other signals already present.

At this point it is necessary to clean the internal water circuit of the machine of any residues of the descaling agent. That is, you must run the machine through a rinse cycle. Follow these steps:

Remove the tank and clean it thoroughly; fill it with 1 litre of fresh water (up to the MAX level).
Place an empty container of at least 1-litre capacity beneath the brew head.
Turn the steam wand towards the container; water will flow from both the brew head and the steam wand.
Press the coffee button. The power button and the triangular icon in the circle will flash simultaneously to indicate the beginning of the cycle for rinsing the internal water circuit of the machine.
At the end of the rinse cycle all the flashing signals will go off and a beep will be emitted. Remove the water collection container from beneath the brew head and wash it thoroughly.
Refill the water tank again. Now the machine is ready for use.

How to Troubleshoot Illy Espresso Machine (X7.1) Doesn’t Make Coffee

If your Illy X7.1 machine is not making coffee, try the following troubleshooting instructions to resolve the issue:

Fill the water tank; make sure it is fitted completely into place.
Remove the capsule holder from the coffee brew head.
Wait until the coffee button lights up (machine ready to brew).
Place a container underneath the brew head and press the coffee button.
Dispense water for a few seconds.
Stop the flow.
Insert a new capsule in the capsule holder and fit it to the brew head; proceed with making coffee.

How to Use Illy Espresso Machine Pods

Illy E.S.E (Easy Serving Espresso) pods contain dosed and tamped measures of the illy blend, enclosed in filter paper designed to preserve critical flavor and aromas. An E.S.E pod is simply placed inside a compatible machine, and within 30 seconds yields an espresso with the signature illy taste.

To use the pods, insert a pre-measured, perfectly ground and tamped pod into an E.S.E –compatible espresso machine and you have your espresso in less than 30 minutes. Each pod is individually wrapped to assure maximum freshness with every cup.

Why is My Illy Espresso Machine Not Working?

If your Illy coffee machine is not switching on;

The power button could be in the OFF (0) position. Make sure you switch the power button to ON (I) position.
If the power button is ON but the machine is not switching on, check the power cord and make sure it is connected to a power socket conforming to the technical data indicated in the data plate.

If the machine doesn’t brew coffee;

The water tank could be empty. Make sure to fill the tank with water.
The water tank might not have been properly inserted. Make sure you have inserted the water tank correctly.
It might be due to incomplete closure of the moving part the machine head. Lift the capsule compartment cover and make sure that the capsule has been inserted in the compartment. Lower the lever up to the lock position. Then try again and brew coffee.
Capsule may not have been inserted in the capsule compartment. Make sure to insert a capsule into the compartment.
The capsule is not fully pierced. Use a new capsule.
The pump may have failed to start. To fix this, make sure there in no capsule inside the machine. Lower the opening lever up to the lock position and then press any button to dispense water. Try again to brew coffee with a new capsule.

Check this too: Jura Espresso Machine How-to & Troubleshooting Guide

If the capsule isn’t ejected;

The capsule is still in the compartment. Close the opening lever completely, then slowly open it again, to ensure the ejection of the capsule into the removable user capsule tray.

If the machine brews slowly;

This could be due to limescale in the hydraulic circuit. Start the descaling cycle .

Illy Espresso Machine Error Codes, Their Meaning and Fixes

Illy espresso machine buttons will light to indicate current status and errors. Below are the status indications and what they mean:

Both buttons flash- The machine has been turned on and is in warm-up phase.
Both buttons steady on- The machine has reached the right temperature for brewing.
The espresso button is steady on- The machine is brewing one cup of espresso.
The brewed coffee button is steady on- The machine is brewing one cup of brewed coffee.
Both buttons flash slowly- The machine is in Power Save phase. The machine activates the Power Save function after 15 minutes of inactivity. Press any button to turn the machine on again.
The buttons flash alternately- The machine needs to be descaled. Carry out a descaling cycle to clear the error.
Flashing slowly (brewed coffee button only)- The machine indicates that the descaling has been selected. In this status the tank must contain the descaling solution.
Flashing quickly (brewed coffee only)- The machine indicates that the first part of the descaling cycle is being performed. The machine is dispensing the descaling solution.
Flashing slowly (brewed coffee button only) and the espresso coffee button is steady on- The machine indicates that the first part of the descaling cycle is complete. Rinse the water tank and fill it again with fresh drinking water.
Flashing quickly (brewed coffee button only) and the espresso coffee button is steady on- The machine indicates that the second part of the descaling cycle is being performed. The machine is dispensing water for rinsing cycle.
Flashing quickly (espresso coffee button only)- There is a machine malfunction. Turn OFF the machine, wait for 30 seconds and then turn it ON again. If the problem persists, contact an authorized service centre.
Triangular icon flashing rapidly- The machine needs to be descaled. Carry out a descaling cycle to clear the error.